How do spider bites differ from mosquito bites. What are the distinctive symptoms of each type of bite. When should you seek medical attention for a bite. How can you prevent spider and mosquito bites.

Understanding Spider Bites: Symptoms and Risks

Spider bites are often feared, but in reality, most are harmless and cause only minor symptoms. However, it’s crucial to be able to identify potentially dangerous bites. Here are some key points about spider bites:

• Most spider bites cause only mild symptoms similar to other insect bites
• Dangerous spider bites are rare but can have serious consequences
• Spiders typically only bite when threatened or provoked
• Proper identification is important for appropriate treatment

Common Spider Bite Symptoms

The majority of spider bites result in mild symptoms that may include:

• Red, itchy bump at the bite site
• Mild swelling
• Warmth around the affected area
• Slight pain or discomfort

These symptoms are often indistinguishable from other insect bites. However, spider bites may sometimes leave two small puncture marks from the spider’s fangs.

Dangerous Spider Bites: When to Worry

While rare, bites from venomous spiders like the brown recluse or black widow can cause severe symptoms. Signs of a potentially dangerous spider bite include:

• Intense pain that develops within minutes to hours after the bite
• A red “bullseye” pattern or blister at the bite site
• Spreading redness or warmth
• Muscle cramps or rigidity
• Fever, chills, or nausea
• Difficulty breathing

If you experience any of these symptoms after a suspected spider bite, seek immediate medical attention.

Mosquito Bites: Characteristics and Health Risks

Mosquito bites are far more common than spider bites and have distinct characteristics. Understanding these can help you differentiate between the two types of bites.

Typical Mosquito Bite Symptoms

Mosquito bites usually cause:

• A small, round, and itchy bump
• Redness around the bite area
• Mild swelling
• Intense itching that may worsen over time

Unlike spider bites, mosquito bites do not leave visible puncture marks. The itching from a mosquito bite often intensifies over time, whereas spider bite discomfort may decrease.

Health Risks Associated with Mosquito Bites

While most mosquito bites are merely a nuisance, they can sometimes transmit serious diseases. Potential health risks include:

• West Nile virus
• Zika virus
• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Chikungunya

These diseases are more common in certain geographical areas. If you experience fever, severe headache, or other unusual symptoms after a mosquito bite, consult a healthcare professional.

Key Differences Between Spider and Mosquito Bites

Distinguishing between spider and mosquito bites can be challenging, but there are several key differences to look out for:

1. Bite appearance: Spider bites may leave two small puncture marks, while mosquito bites typically appear as a single raised bump.
2. Pain onset: Spider bites can be immediately painful, whereas mosquito bites usually become itchy over time.
3. Itching intensity: Mosquito bites often cause intense itching that worsens, while spider bites may be less itchy.
4. Bite pattern: Mosquitoes often leave multiple bites in a line or cluster, while spider bites are usually isolated.
5. Swelling: Severe spider bites may cause significant swelling, while mosquito bite swelling is typically minor.

Treatment Options for Spider and Mosquito Bites

Proper treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent complications from both spider and mosquito bites.

Treating Spider Bites

For most spider bites, follow these steps:

1. Clean the bite area with soap and water
2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
3. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed
4. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
5. Monitor the bite for signs of infection or worsening symptoms

For suspected dangerous spider bites, seek immediate medical attention.

Treating Mosquito Bites

To relieve mosquito bite symptoms:

1. Wash the bite area with soap and water
2. Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching
3. Use an ice pack to minimize swelling
4. Take an oral antihistamine for severe itching
5. Avoid scratching to prevent infection

Prevention Strategies for Spider and Mosquito Bites

Preventing bites is the best way to avoid discomfort and potential health risks associated with spider and mosquito encounters.

Preventing Spider Bites

To reduce your risk of spider bites:

• Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior
• Remove clutter and debris from your yard
• Wear gloves when working in areas where spiders may hide
• Shake out shoes and clothing before wearing
• Use spider repellents in problem areas

Preventing Mosquito Bites

To protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors
• Install or repair window and door screens
• Eliminate standing water around your property
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors or in areas with high mosquito populations

When to Seek Medical Attention for Bites

While most spider and mosquito bites can be treated at home, certain situations require professional medical care.

Signs You Should See a Doctor for a Spider Bite

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Spreading redness or warmth
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Muscle cramps or rigidity
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional for Mosquito Bites

Visit a doctor if you develop:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Body aches
• Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or pus)
• Unusual fatigue or weakness

Myths and Misconceptions About Spider and Mosquito Bites

There are many common misconceptions about spider and mosquito bites. Let’s debunk some of these myths:

Spider Bite Myths

1. Myth: All spider bites are dangerous.
   Fact: Most spider bites are harmless and cause only minor symptoms.
2. Myth: You can always tell a spider bite by looking at it.
   Fact: Many spider bites are indistinguishable from other insect bites without seeing the spider.
3. Myth: Spiders actively seek out humans to bite.
   Fact: Spiders typically only bite when threatened or accidentally pressed against the skin.

Mosquito Bite Myths

1. Myth: Mosquitoes are attracted to sweet blood.
   Fact: Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide, heat, and certain chemicals in sweat.
2. Myth: Eating garlic or taking vitamin B1 will repel mosquitoes.
   Fact: There’s no scientific evidence to support these claims.
3. Myth: All mosquitoes transmit diseases.
   Fact: Only certain species of mosquitoes can transmit specific diseases, and not all mosquitoes carry pathogens.

Natural Remedies for Spider and Mosquito Bites

While over-the-counter treatments are effective, some people prefer natural remedies for bite relief. Here are some options to consider:

Natural Remedies for Spider Bites

• Aloe vera gel: Soothes skin and reduces inflammation
• Tea tree oil: Has antiseptic properties (dilute before applying)
• Witch hazel: Reduces swelling and itching
• Baking soda paste: Helps neutralize venom and reduce pain
• Turmeric paste: Has anti-inflammatory properties

Natural Remedies for Mosquito Bites

• Apple cider vinegar: Helps reduce itching and inflammation
• Honey: Has antibacterial properties and soothes skin
• Basil leaves: Contain compounds that relieve itching
• Oatmeal bath: Soothes skin and reduces itching
• Peppermint oil: Provides a cooling sensation and reduces inflammation (dilute before applying)

Remember to test any natural remedy on a small area of skin first to check for allergic reactions.

The Impact of Climate Change on Spider and Mosquito Populations

Climate change is affecting the distribution and behavior of both spiders and mosquitoes, potentially increasing the risk of bites and related health issues.

Effects on Spider Populations

Climate change may impact spiders in several ways:

• Expanded habitats for some spider species
• Changes in spider behavior and life cycles
• Potential increases in venom potency due to environmental stress
• Shifts in prey availability affecting spider populations

Impact on Mosquito Populations

Climate change is likely to affect mosquitoes significantly:

• Extended mosquito seasons in many regions
• Expansion of mosquito habitats to new areas
• Increased reproduction rates in warmer temperatures
• Potential for more rapid spread of mosquito-borne diseases

These changes underscore the importance of ongoing research and adaptation of prevention strategies to address evolving risks associated with spider and mosquito bites.

Understanding the differences between spider and mosquito bites is crucial for proper treatment and prevention. While most bites are harmless, knowing when to seek medical attention can be life-saving in rare cases of dangerous spider bites or mosquito-borne illnesses. By implementing effective prevention strategies and staying informed about potential risks, you can enjoy outdoor activities with greater peace of mind. Remember to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment if you have concerns about a bite.

How to Tell the Difference Between Spider Bites and Mosquito Bites

House Spider

Spider bites are the bites that everyone fears. While nobody likes the itch of the mosquito, spider bites are the ones that cause pain, swelling, and possibly death.

Or at least, that’s what many people believe.

Mosquito

The truth is that most spider bites present themselves almost identically to mosquito bites. Every spider has a different type of bite. Some, like the black widow, have venom that causes intense neurological symptoms that in rare cases may lead to death. But most others have venom that causes the same type of allergy like reaction:

• Itchy bump
• Swelling
• Warm to the touch

Most spiders do not have enough venom to cause any type of reaction in humans beyond the basic allergic response, and while many people blame some of their largest, most painful bumps on spiders, many mosquito bites can also lead to similar responses, especially if they’ve been scratched and irritated – something that can occur while you sleep.

Are There Differences Between Spider Bites and Mosquito Bites?

In the event of a more serious spider bite, additional symptoms will occur, such as cell death. But because those symptoms are rare, the most likely sign that you had a spider bite will be a pair of tooth marks at the site of the bite, usually in the very center of the bump. Mosquitoes do not have two teeth, nor do the bites necessarily have a clear bump.

Also, spider bites may (although not always) be very painful at the time of the bite, not later. Mosquito bites you can feel, but they do not usually become painful for a long while after the bite has occurred because they need time to grow.

Spiders Rarely Bite Unprovoked

If you’re still not sure, it’s important to keep in mind that spiders are not the vicious attackers that people think they are. They are very timid, and in nearly every case they only bite if they are in the process of being attacked – for example, if you’re placing your hand directly on top of it.

This means that if the bite simply seems to appear while you’re out, and you cannot seem to find signs of spider fangs or put yourself in a situation where a spider may have felt in danger, it’s likely that it was the bite of a mosquito.

Help for Your Insect Problem

If you find yourself with a bite that worries you, contact a doctor. It’s possible that you were one of the rare individuals that fell victim to a more severe spider bite, and a visit to the doctor may be in your best interests.

But if you’d like to reduce the likelihood of experiencing any type of bite, contact Green Pest and ask about our spider control and mosquito control options. We have several discounts available for new clients and we’re happy to talk to you at any time about our one-time or recurring quarterly services.

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Spider Bite vs. Mosquito Bite: How to Tell the Difference

When our kids have problems, we spring into action to solve them. What happened, who is at fault, and how do we fix it? We ask all the questions to get to the root of the problem and find the best solution.

So, naturally, when our children get bug bites and feel discomfort, we want to fix it fast.

But how do we fix it if we don’t know what bit them? That’s what we want to discuss today.

Mosquito bites and spiders can look quite similar to each other, but there are slight and distinct differences that will help you set them apart.

Let’s discuss how to tell them apart and how to stop them once and for all.

Spider Bites: Is It a Harmless or Venomous Spider?

Spider bites can be one of the trickier types of bites to diagnose. Unlike other insects, like ticks or even a wasp, that bite or sting you, finding the spider to accuse is part of the battle.

The problem here is, unless you see or find the spider, it’s hard to know exactly what type of spider bit you. Fortunately, most spider bites are harmless. You can expect pain and discomfort at the site of the bite, which is usually accompanied by redness and mild swelling.

What Are Spider Bite Symptoms To Worry About?

Some spiders are our friends; others… not so much.

Keep an eye out for dangerous spiders like the brown recluse and the black widow:

• Brown recluse spider bites: these bites are accompanied by a red bullseye and generally also have white blisters around the affected area. As far as poisonous spiders go, this is one of the scariest ones. Pain will begin a few minutes to hours after the bite occurs and will gradually increase over the course of a week.
• Black widow bites: Black widow spiders are one of the more distinct spiders to pinpoint, as they have a red hourglass mark on their body. These bites are generally accompanied by joint pain, belly stiffness, and a raised red bump at the site of the bite.

Other spiders seem menacing, but their bites are generally harmless (though still not a lot of fun). These include wolf spiders, hobo spiders, and tarantulas. While their bites may still cause some pain, redness, and discomfort, the reactions should be relatively mild.

Much of the pain and discomfort associated with these bites are more intense by scratching and irritating the bitten area. Many times, people think that the bite caused skin damage and issues, but really it was their own fingernails.

Where Do Spiders Live?

An important way to avoid spider bites is to understand their habits, especially those that pose a risk.

Typically both brown recluse spiders and black widows avoid humans. Most of their contact with us comes by accident or mistake. While we should remain vigilant and look out for them, it’s important to know that they aren’t looking for us.

Brown recluse spiders like to hide in damp, dark spaces and like to burrow in wood piles, whereas black widows prefer dark spaces outside.

Mosquito Bites: What Do They Look and Feel Like?

Mosquito bites can cause similar pain and discomfort at the bite site as a spider bite can. However, mosquito bites are usually more closely associated with redness, swelling, and intense itchiness.

It is very common for small children to be hypersensitive to these bites, as their bodies aren’t as used to the proteins in mosquito saliva. If a more intense reaction occurs, excessive swelling, additional welts, and a heightened degree of discomfort will be present.

For a standard reaction, you can expect these same symptoms above, but with a more mild effect. For mosquitoes, the typical reaction only lasts about three to four days.

When Reactions Mean More: Mosquitoes and Diseases

Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest insects on the planet. Because female mosquitoes rely on human blood to lay eggs, it is easy to spread viruses from person to person during breeding.

Mosquitoes also live very long lives compared to other insects, so in their lifespan, they are able to infect a lot of people.

Mosquitoes can spread a few notorious illnesses like:

• Zika virus
• Dengue fever
• Malaria
• West Nile virus

If you have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches, lethargy) and a mosquito bite that won’t go away, consult a medical professional immediately.

Other Bugs To Be Mindful Of

This article may be dedicated to mosquitoes and spiders, but we would be remiss if we didn’t at least note some of the other harmful insects to look out for.

Insects to watch out for and monitor bites/stings from are:

• Tick: a tick bite will have a round red circle around the bite. It will fade after a few days unless you are infected with something more severe. In this case, you will experience extreme pain and irritation as well as red spots or a rash that spreads from the bite. Ticks carry Lyme disease, so monitor these bites carefully.
• Wasps: a wasp or hornet can bite several times, so be mindful if you are near one. Wasp stings will turn red and swell and cause mild pain at the affected area but will fade within a few days. Severe allergic reactions might include anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing, or hives. If so, seek medication attention.
• Fleas: an infestation of fleas in your home will result in a lot of small red bumps clustered on your skin, similar to a rash. Flea bites will be around your ankles and exposed areas and will itch incessantly.
• Bed bugs: if you wake up with red welts that itch, you may have bed bugs. These tiny creatures leave behind a few tell-tale signs:

First, they shed their skin and leave it behind in your sheets. Second, you may notice small blood stains on your sheets from bites. While bed bug bites themselves are generally harmless, the abrasions in the skin will leave you vulnerable to infections.

Four Ways To Calm Itchy Bug Bites

Bites happen, and we need to be ready with solutions. After you wash the bite side, try some of these ways to treat insect bites:

1. Baking Soda

You can apply a paste made by mixing baking soda and water directly to the bite site. This will help to reduce swelling and irritation left behind by bugs.

While it can be effective, it’s not always easy. Kids aren’t the biggest fans of these pastes on their skin and wipe them off any chance they get.

2. Ointments

Hydrocortisone creams and ointments can treat the discomfort and itching sensation that these bugs leave behind.

These lotions and sprays are messy and often leave our skin with a greasy feeling, another texture most of our little ones aren’t too fond of. Many times, simple chores and our daily activities wipe them away before they have a chance to be effective.

Even if they are left on our skin, they wear off relatively fast.

3. Apply a Patch

Instead of holding out hope that lotions and sprays will be left on our kiddos’ skin, add a MagicPatch. These scientifically engineered patches relieve symptoms of pain, itch, and irritation as soon as they are applied.

What’s better than that? Oh, just this — Your MagicPatch will last for seven days and is completely waterproof. By the time they’re ready to be taken off, the discomfort from bites will have subsided, and the bites will be a distant memory.

4. Pain Relievers

In cases of extra sensitivity, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may treat pain, redness, and swelling.

With bee stings or other bites that may cause more of an allergic reaction, you may want to take an antihistamine like Benadryl instead.

These aren’t drugs you will need to get prescriptions for, but you may want to speak to your healthcare provider anyway.

Guard Your Space

Keeping screens tight and tear-free will help keep unwanted guests from entering your home. You may also want to add screens to any doors that you like to keep open during the hotter months.

Even the smallest rips and tears are big enough for some insects to gain access to your house and make a meal out of you or your kids. Plus, it’s not only ghosts that can haunt an attic; brown recluse spiders love moving into cozy, undisturbed attics.

Another big issue is firewood. Brown recluse spiders love to live in wood piles, so be sure to pile them away from the side of your home. Since they’ll live in wood, it’s only a matter of time before they wander into your space on a particularly hot or cold evening.

Be sure to keep areas like this covered with plastic tarps. Covered piles will be less enticing to spiders, and you will have less of a chance of new houseguests.

Keep the Bugs Away

While websites and companies try to convince you that DEET and other insecticides are good to use, they’re not safe and can often lead to harmful side effects.

Instead, add our BuzzPatch to your and your kids’ outfits. These stickers are infused with an all-natural blend of essential oils proven to repel mosquitoes and insects.

MagicPatch works all day, they’re safe for kids of every age, and they stick on clothes instead of skin. Kids (and adults) will love adding our fun designs to their outfits and will quickly forget they’re there, which means their effects will last all day without worry.

Pest Control and Insect Repellent: Yes, Please

While we would prefer those insects keep to themselves, sometimes we are just too good of a meal.

We are confident that the information here is perfect for keeping you and your family safe and ready for any bites that may come your way. For anything your family needs a little help with, The Natural Patch Co. is there with just the thing.

Sources:

Spider bites – Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic

Insect Bite | Seattle’s Children’s

Brown Recluse and Black Widow Spiders | Illinois Department of Public Health

Mosquito Bite Symptoms and Treatment | CDC

Insect bites in the country: who bit and what to do?

The majority of Siberian residents go to their dachas on vacation. Our summer is short, but it can be hot, so residents try to escape from the stuffy city every weekend. And of course, they take their children with them. Fresh air, sun and closeness to nature give an unforgettable experience. They are mostly overshadowed by minor troubles like insect bites. And you can find many of them in the country.

The greatest danger in Siberia is, of course, ticks, but they mainly live in forests, rarely come across in areas – they do not like cultivated soil. But pets can bring them in. How to protect yourself from ticks is a separate conversation.

There are also potentially dangerous spiders in the forest, but even there they rarely bite a person. Domestic and garden spiders are absolutely harmless. Therefore, in this article we will recall those bloodsuckers that we will have to face in the country with one hundred percent probability.

Mosquito

Every Siberian is familiar with these flying “crocodiles”. And although mosquitoes are safe in the northern latitudes, unlike their southern counterparts, which can carry pathogens of malaria and dengue fever, they can nevertheless cause a lot of trouble. Small children especially suffer from their bites: they have delicate skin with closely spaced capillaries, so mosquitoes can bite the baby from head to toe.

However, it is not so much the bite of a mosquito that is dangerous, but rather its scratching. And how not to scratch if it itches unbearably?

What to do?

The easiest way is to take measures to scare away bloodsuckers. There are a lot of devices for this: from aromatic “spirals” to electronic fumigators. But these products work best indoors, and outdoors it is better to use repellents and ointments, whose smell repels mosquitoes.

The bites themselves can be smeared with a cream or ointment that relieves itching. There are also folk remedies: if the right ointment is not at hand, cold water, soap or toothpaste will help.

Wasp

Wasps do not depend on humans, but they can be found quite often in garden plots. They feed on nectar, so they are attracted by the abundance of flowering plants. It is especially dangerous if a wasp family decides to settle in your house or yard building: in this case, they build a wasp nest that looks like a paper cocoon, and only a specialist can remove it.

Wasps are quite aggressive, when approaching them, you should not wave your arms – they may react inadequately. The wasp sting is very painful, a growing red inflammation appears on the skin. Itching and pain do not go away for several hours. In special cases, medical attention may be required.

Unlike a bee, a wasp can sting several times. In addition, sensing danger, the wasp secretes a special enzyme that its brethren will smell and fly to the rescue.

What to do?

The first step is to reduce swelling with a cold compress. If the bite is in the mouth or neck area, an ambulance must be called urgently, otherwise the swelling may block the airways. A piece of sugar soaked in water will help get rid of the poison: it will “suck out” part of the dangerous enzyme. It is also necessary to take one of the antihistamines, for example, Suprastin. If the swelling is large and there is a threat of an allergic reaction, you can take Dimedrol.

Hornet

Hornet is also a wasp, but much larger. In Siberia, there are females with a body length of up to 3.5 cm. Like their smaller counterparts, they also love sweets, but they have little nectar. The best food for them is the rotting fruits of apples or pears. But at the same time, they are in a sense cannibals: other insects become their victims – grasshoppers, bees and the same wasps.

A hornet sting is much more painful than a wasp sting. Unlike the smaller brother, the hornet can not only sting with a sting, but also mechanically bite with large nibbles located on the head (wasps do not have such). The poison is highly toxic: a huge growing edema appears at the site of the bite. Subsequently, the wound may fester. Edema develops instantly, so medical attention will be required immediately. Nausea or dizziness may occur.

What to do?

In general, the recommendations are the same as for wasp sting, but it is worth acting much faster.

Bee

These insects are extremely useful for the garden. They are smart, calm and able to “make friends” with a person: the bees that are bred in the apiary recognize their owners by sight. Unlike a wasp, a bee can only sting once and then die. She understands this very well, so the first one will never attack. However, it can sting out of surprise: for example, if you accidentally touch the flower in which it is currently working, or step on a bee house if it is a wild bee.

Again, the difference from a wasp: after a bite, a sting remains in the wound, which must be removed immediately. The sting itself contains poison, which will be released for several more hours if it is not pulled out. There is a lot of histamine in bee venom, so many people develop allergies to bee stings (about 2% of the world’s population). The most annoying thing is that until a bee stings you, you will not know if you have an allergy or not.

If not, you’re in luck. A bee sting is similar to a wasp sting, but less painful and heals faster. If there is, severe consequences are possible, up to convulsions, loss of consciousness, Quincke’s edema and anaphylactic shock. These symptoms appear in the first minutes after the bite.

What to do?

First, remove the sting from the wound and take an antihistamine. After removing the sting, the wound must be disinfected. Then we remove the edema with the help of lotions and cold water, you can use ice, we smear “Fenistil”.

If the first signs of an allergic reaction appear (dizziness, increased sweating, shortness of breath, etc.), immediately “Suprastin”, painkillers, drink plenty of water and call a doctor.

Bumblebee

A close relative of the bee, but much larger. Bumblebees are less susceptible to cold, so they can collect nectar on cloudy days. In addition, bumblebees see well at dusk, so they can fly until dark, and in June-July they can be found even at night. Unlike bees, they do not cultivate large families, often even live alone. Nests are built on the ground or in the grass, their dwellings do not differ in such mathematical symmetry as those of bees. In the rest – the same peace-loving insect as a bee: you have to make the bumblebee very angry, literally chase him so that he stings.

The sting is smooth, does not remain in the wound, so the bumblebee does not die after the bite. But the bite is more painful, so the second time, like a wasp, it will not attack, but will calmly fly away.

What to do?

Same as bee sting. Allergy is also possible.

Horsefly

One of the most ancient insects on Earth. Outwardly, the horsefly looks like a large fly, prefers to live near water bodies, as it lays its eggs in a humid environment. Horsefly males are harmless, feed on nectar and quickly die, having fertilized the female. But the female, in order to bear offspring, needs animal protein, so she hunts for animals and people.

Perseverance in pursuing a goal is one of the features of horsefly behavior. If a horsefly has chosen you as its victim, he (or rather, she) is able to chase you for several kilometers. Strong smells (perfume, tobacco, alcohol), as well as bright colors of clothes, can attract him. Most often, they annoy people resting on the shores of a lake or river, while shrugging off an annoying fly will not work – it’s easier to kill.

The horsefly has hairy paws: so that the victim does not feel how he sits on the skin. But the proboscis, through which the horsefly drinks blood, is long and equipped with blades to stir up the wound more forcefully. When the female begins to drink blood, she falls into a stupor. At this moment, she does not notice the danger, for example, a raised hand. Therefore, these bloodsuckers were nicknamed horseflies.

What to do?

The bite is painful, a penetrating hole is clearly visible in place, around which a rather strong edema develops. Horsefly injects enzymes under the victim’s skin that prevent blood clotting. Because of them, the bite site then itches unbearably.

Particularly terrible consequences from a bite should not be expected. The only danger: horseflies drink blood and dead animals, therefore, in order to avoid infections, the wound must be very well disinfected. The swelling is removed with ice or cold water. Anoint the bite site with “Fenistil” so that it does not itch so much.

Gadfly

Gadflies are often confused with horseflies because of their resemblance and behavior. But they are not even related. The gadfly also looks like a fly, only stripes are visible on the body like a wasp.

Unlike horseflies, gadflies do not bite: they do not eat at all, and they have no mouth. The flying individual lives only 2-3 days, its purpose is to hatch from the larva, mate, lay eggs and die. What we perceive as a bite is actually an attempt by the female to lay eggs under our skin.

And this is the global error of the gadfly: in the human body, eggs in 99% of cases do not survive. The main carriers of the future gadfly offspring are cattle and horses. A gadfly attacks a person by mistake, mistaking it for a cow.

What to do?

The “bite” itself is like a mosquito bite, it itches and goes away. The main thing is to get rid of the introduced larvae. Although they are unlikely to survive, they can cause inflammation. It is especially dangerous if a person was attacked by several gadflies at once and received multiple bites. All wounds must be thoroughly disinfected immediately.

Ant

Ants A wide variety of species can live in a garden. Everyone bites one way or another, but only a few species pose a danger to humans. There are no poisonous ants in Siberia, and people are used to dividing them into two types – black and red (or red).

Black ants often settle in gardens. They are quite large: males can reach a length of 7-8 mm, the uterus is generally huge – up to 2 cm. They do not build large anthills – they understand that people will immediately demolish them in the garden. But they can build “cities” – complexes of several anthills, interconnected by underground passages. Outwardly, such anthills can be mistaken for an ordinary earthen mound.

They bite only when threatened. The bite is not very painful, but the ants have the ability to attack in a crowd.

Red ants are very social insects. It is they who build huge anthills up to a meter in height in the forests. But in the garden, of course, they will not do this. They bite much more painfully than blacks.

What to do?

Some find ant stings beneficial. In small doses, formic acid really has a tonic effect on the human body. But if you are attacked by an army of ants, you will have to take action: drink an antihistamine, smear your skin with anti-itch drugs and wait for the bites to pass.

Midge

In Siberia, it is considered the most terrible animal in the taiga. This term has a synonym – midges, which hides a number of species of very small dipteran insects. Roughly speaking, midges can be divided into two types: the first drink blood through the proboscis, the second gnaw the skin. The peculiarity of the midge is that the saliva contains analgesic enzymes, so the person does not feel the moment of the bite. Unpleasant sensations appear later, when the midge has already flown away.

The bite site is very swollen and itchy. The midge does not choose the place where to bite: it digs into any open area of ​​​​the body. It is especially bad if she manages to bite into the eyelid: it will swell so that it will be impossible to open the eye. By itself, the bite of midges is not terrible, their number is terrible. The midge attacks in a swarm, in which there can be up to a thousand individuals. Salvation here is one: abundantly smeared and splashed with repellents.

What to do?

If a midge bites into the eye, a cold compress should be applied to it to prevent swelling from spreading to the entire face. And if the midge has bitten badly, then due to constant combing (it is impossible not to itch), it is better to rub the whole body with a solution of water and ammonia (proportion one to one). Also take an antihistamine and, if needed, a pain reliever.

Photo : Unsplash

what are the dangers of insects when going out into nature

In the summer, when most people go on vacation, insects are also active – for them, a period of increased feeding and reproduction begins. Among them are blood-sucking parasites that can not only cause discomfort to children and adults, but even lead to serious infectious diseases. Therefore, wherever you go, whether it’s a vacation with your grandmother or a walk through a pine forest, be sure to arm yourself with repellent sprays, antihistamines and antiseptics. It will not be superfluous to purchase special spatulas for the quick and safe removal of ticks – these insidious insects are often found in tall grass and dense shrubs, even within the city. The most effective measure to protect yourself and loved ones will be vaccination against encephalitis. Let us consider what dangers lie in wait for us in nature and what is needed to provide first aid for an insect bite.

Mosquitoes

Species of mosquitoes that live in the middle lane are generally safe for humans. These insects are especially active near water and in wet weather. A mosquito bite usually looks like a red dot on the skin, a hard bump, or a fluid-filled blister. When scratching, the bite site may swell – especially if a person suffers from an allergy to mosquito venom. In this case, you should take an antihistamine. Most people – 80-95% – can limit themselves to topical application of a soothing ointment to relieve itching. Contrary to prejudices, it is possible to scratch bites, but carefully – if a wound forms, there will be a risk of suppuration.

Use repellent sprays, creams and gels to prevent bites. If you plan to spend a long time in one place of parking or fishing, spend the night in a tent, use insecticidal coils. In the room, fumigators and ultrasonic repellers will protect against mosquitoes.

Ticks

Ticks are perhaps the most dangerous insectoids that you can encounter on vacation. They carry borreliosis (Lyme disease) and tick-borne encephalitis. The likelihood of infection from a bite varies greatly depending on the type of insect, habitat and time of year. If a tick is found on the body, it is recommended to immediately remove it without leaving the head with salivary glands in the body, and then place the “carcass” in a jar and send it for examination. If possible, it is better to entrust the removal of the parasite to a doctor. But if the tick has not yet had time to swell, it is worth removing it immediately, because the risk of the disease increases in proportion to the time that the bloodsucker spends in the body. Don’t squeeze the tick! Try to grab it closer to the head, pushing the tweezers into the skin, and remove it with one motion towards you. Sometimes you can remove an insect without a jerk – you need to block its oxygen supply with oil. But in this case, there is a risk that the tick will get stuck and die, without having time to get out on its own. After removal, inspect the bite site – if the jaw-grip remains in the wound, and then treat it with an antiseptic.

As a preventive measure, try to wear closed long clothing and high shoes that can be tucked into. Use repellents. If you are planning a long vacation away from civilization or frequent trips to nature, get vaccinated first. On vacation, try to stay in open areas with low growth.

Gadflies and gadflies

For reproduction, gadflies require the blood of humans, large ungulates and other mammals. Two points are clearly visible at the site of the bite, and the affected tissues turn red and swell rapidly before the eyes, itching appears. Piercing the skin, the gadfly lays eggs in the wound, which can lead to decay of the bite site and its infection.

If bitten, use antiseptic and antihistamine immediately. It is also important to smear the wound with petroleum jelly or cover with a film to avoid infection and destroy the offspring of the parasite. In children, a gadfly bite can cause a severe allergic reaction, so if swelling, fever, nausea and vomiting appear, you should immediately call an ambulance. Adults may also experience swollen lymph nodes and other unpleasant symptoms.

Unlike the gadfly, the horsefly only feeds on blood, but its bite also requires the use of all the same measures, with the exception of film or vaseline.

Bees and wasps

Bee and wasp stings are fraught with angioedema and other manifestations of anaphylactic shock. If a person has an allergic reaction to insect bites, call an ambulance and drink antihistamines immediately after the incident, without waiting for the symptoms to develop.

Remove the stinger from the skin immediately. In no case do this with tweezers or by hand – this way even more poison will get into the wound. Just run a plastic card or the blunt side of a knife over the stung area to pull out the proboscis. If the bite fell on the hand, you need to remove the rings and bracelets so that they do not stick into the skin as the edema develops and do not lead to tissue death.

Unlike bees, wasps and hornets do not die after the first bite, but pressing them on the body is strictly contraindicated, because. this can cause the venom vial to burst.

In the event of a normal rather than pathological reaction to a bite, the standard list of measures is as follows:

1. Topical use of an antiseptic.
2. Relieve swelling and relieve pain with a cold compress.
3. Taking pain medication.

Ants and spiders

Among spiders of the middle belt, karakurt can cause real harm to health, while other species are either harmless or cause mild itching at the site of the bite.